We’ve all witnessed how tough life can be for stray dogs just trying to survive. It’s heartbreaking and harsh, but that’s the reality they face.
If there’s one thing their stories show us, it’s how unbelievably strong and determined dogs can be. They keep pushing forward, holding on to the hope that someone might come along and save them.
That was exactly the case for one tiny pup who was barely hanging on. She lay motionless in a small box, unable to move.
Thankfully, everything began to change when a kind soul noticed her and stepped in to help.
A Pup In Dire Condition
When Debbie, a rescuer from Unstoppable Ranch in California, first found Gaby, she was stunned by the dog’s condition.
Gaby was completely still, barely breathing, and appeared to be hanging on by a thread. It was heartbreaking to imagine who could have left her like this.
Seeing how serious her state was, Debbie rushed her to emergency care, where vets immediately began working on her.
They did everything they could to stabilize her and give her a fighting chance. It wasn’t a quick process, but signs of hope began to show.
Thanks to the care she received, Gaby slowly began to recover. She still had a long way to go, but her progress was promising.
Though she remained fragile, the veterinary team supported her as she learned to walk again. After several days, Debbie got the news she had hoped for.
Gaby was stable enough to be released. Debbie brought her back to her home in California, ready to help her settle in.
Life At Last Becomes Calm
Once Gaby regained some strength, Debbie noticed something unusual about how she walked. Every time she moved, it looked like she was prancing like a pony.
Though adorable, it turned out this movement came from a neurological issue. It might even explain why she was abandoned in the first place.
Debbie suspects that Gaby may have come from a breeder who neglected her, just like he had likely done with others before.
While there’s no way to prove it, her condition when found makes it seem like a likely scenario.
Later, Debbie learned Gaby had a cyst caused by a birth defect. It was located near her cerebellum and impacted her motor control in several ways.
Because of its location, it wasn’t something that could be surgically removed. It’s a condition Gaby will always live with.
Her neurologist explained that, aside from balance and mobility, the condition shouldn’t cause major issues.
She sometimes loses her balance, but she’s not in pain, and her outlook remains good. These days, Gaby shares her life with 11 other special-needs dogs who’ve become her new companions.
Debbie couldn’t be happier for her. After all she’s endured, Gaby is now surrounded by friends and enjoying the calm life she always deserved.